Happy Thanksgiving From Sen. Lankford

Dear Oklahoma friends and neighbors:

Happy Thanksgiving! Next week, most Oklahomans will get to enjoy at least a day of food and family traditions. As you sit down with your family and/or friends to enjoy this time of gratitude for the freedoms we have as Americans and for God’s many blessings, remember those serving our nation away from their families in law enforcement and the military. Please also consider giving to or volunteering to help others in need during this season.

Lately, several people have told me that they dread the inevitable Thanksgiving political argument around the table and in the kitchen. Just about every family has some political differences, but we should not allow our political differences to separate our families and friendships.

Let’s try something for Thanksgiving: turn off the news and turn on the gratitude.

There are so many good things to talk about in our state and nation. Find a family project to do, serve a neighbor in need, get outside, watch the parade, share old storiesanything but bringing up more politics. Make the commitment to change the subject to something or someone you are grateful for every time someone brings up politics. Even though we have so many tough issues right now as a nation, maybe it would be helpful for all of us to take a break from the political noise and remember how much we have to be thankful for. A little more caring and a little less complaining sounds like a good recipe for Thanksgiving.

Sen. James Lankford

represents Oklahoma in the United States Senate.